This SoCal city has the most inspiring design aesthetic worldwide – and we can see why it took the crown

This metropolis is sun-drenched, star-kissed, and superiorly stylish

Minimalistic living room in Los Angeles
(Image credit: Future / Ryan Brown)

When searching for interior inspiration, we're all navigating west, to the chic heart of California: Los Angeles. A recent study has labeled this West Coastal jungle as the most inspiring city worldwide for home decor ideas following an investigation of 34,000 Pinterest boards that serve as a source of influence for homes. 

With an impressive 1,000 Pinterest boards, money.co.uk revealed Los Angeles was the most influential city of the study, while Dubai's escapist interiors came second with 707 dedicated boards. Toronto came in third place, with 646 boards created in its honor. So, what makes Los Angeles quite so fashionable? 

Large dining room in Los Angeles

(Image credit: Future / Ryan Brown)

Firstly, it seems we're not the only ones who have over-indulged in Selling Sunset recently, as these prestigious properties have shaped our modern homes– overflowing rattan included. However, this 70's inspired staple isn't the only LA-inspired trend we've observed this season. 

Yes, the city is also responsible for eclectic statement walls, monochromatic soft furnishings, and leafy house plants, though, lockdown might have had something to do with the latter, too.  But how can we style our foilage like experts in the city?

'Plants and trees in home decor bring so much to a beautiful design scheme. I love bringing the outdoors inside, and there's no better and easier way to do that than a generous sprinkling of greenery throughout a room,' explains designer Rande Leaman, who curates interiors throughout Los Angeles. She continues, offering her styling tips so that you can recreate this sought-after SoCal ambiance anywhere. 

Los Angeles style house plant

(Image credit: Future / Paul Massey)

'Large trees can be a gorgeous focal point next to a sofa or tucked in the corner of a living room. When styling bookshelves, I place plants among books, art, and accessories for a lush, collected look. Plants bring a personal touch to any style space and have the added benefit of keeping our air cleaner,' Rande adds. 

With their minimalist hues and nod to organic jewels, the allure behind Los Angeles is no mystery. Long may California's style capital influence our modern furniture ideas. If you need us, we'll be on Pinterest, or a flight to California, naturally. 

Megan Slack

Megan is the News and Trends Editor at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes. As the News Editor, she often focuses on emerging microtrends, well-being stories, and celebrity-focused pieces.


Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US whilst studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site.